Amazing Early Highlights of the 2017 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year Contest

“Sunrise of Maasia Mara” During month of August and September, there are millions of wild beasts, zebras, and other animals in Maasia Mara game reserve. On this September morning, a wild beast eating grass intersected the sun coming out of the horizon, creating this image. It was one of the most beautiful sunrises I had seen so far. (Photo and caption by Jay Ruan / National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year contest)